The Interview Questions Every .NET Developer Should Be Prepared to Answer

Posted: 29 Jan 2019

In common with many tech industry interviews, job interviews for .Net developers are multi-tiered.

Those doing the hiring not only want to know that you are an expert in your field, but also that you will be a good fit for the wider team. So, both your work history and your non-technical skills are relevant.

Reviewing current .NET Developer opportunities on our website will give you a good indication of the skills and competencies employers are looking for. Before applying, contact us for further details of any roles you may be interested in. We’ll help you with your application and give you advice on how to prepare for interview. In the meantime, here are some typical questions you are likely to be asked:

How do you stay up to date with the latest technology developments?

This is one of the most important questions you will be asked in your interview. Hiring managers will want specific examples of how you improve your development skills. Are there any hobby projects that you have been working on? Have you achieved any cutting-edge certifications? Prepare examples to demonstrate how you keep on top of the latest .NET developments.

Describe some bad code you have read or fixed

This is an easy way for the interviewer to determine whether you can tell the difference between well-functioning, clean code and broken, messy code. It might sound like an odd question as .NET developers are coding experts, but the interviewer is not only testing your prowess as a coder; he/she also wants to know whether you are willing to fix bad code or let it be “good enough”.

Why do you prefer .NET over other frameworks? What do you like and dislike about working with it?

This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge in a more open-ended way. It is best to give specific examples of why you picked .NET over other frameworks drawing from times in your career when you were given a choice. By justifying why you picked .NET—and acknowledging its drawbacks—you can prove that your expertise is in line with what is required for the position.

Why do you think you would be a good fit for this opportunity?

Interviewers often ask this point blank to assess your interest and qualifications for the role.To answer this question, you should cite examples of your previous success in a similar role, highlighting your technical competency. This should be combined with the reasons why you are particularly excited to work for this company and role. Showing enthusiasm can go a long way in demonstrating your personality, engagement and how you will fit into the culture of the business.

What are some enjoyable projects you have worked on in the past?

You will have no doubt had your share of favourable and not so favourable projects that you have worked on in the past, but before you jump in and answer, consider the reason why you are being asked this question. It is less about the project itself and more about why you enjoyed it. Did it allow you to showcase your skills? Was it a team-based project or were you given a key section to complete on your own? The reason why you enjoyed a project can be as technical or personal as you like; you just need to make sure you explain what the project allowed you to do and how you can transfer the experience gained to your new role.

Tell me about a time you failed.

Similar to the age-old “what are your weaknesses?”, this question is about what you learned from your failures. Everyone makes mistakes—it is how you learn from them that will set you apart. Demonstrate that you have grown from the mistake and explain what you would do differently in future to ensure you don’t make the same mistake again. This demonstrates adaptability and shows your humility and ability to learn from previous experiences which is something that employers value.

Tell me about a time a project allowed you to demonstrate your non-technical strengths

If there has been a time when you had to step into a leadership role, or a time when you were given a lot of individual working responsibility, this is the time to talk about it. Illustrate the experience with a positive example of a time when you were placed outside of your comfort zone and thrived. This question is also an opportunity to show your communication skills and highlight your expertise in your field.

What would you do if you didn’t think you could meet a project deadline?

This is a hypothetical scenario so the answer doesn’t have to be concrete, and it is okay to acknowledge this. Take the opportunity to unveil your potential as well as your time management and critical thinking skills. “What if” questions are asked to challenge you so show thoughtfulness and creativity in your answer to convince your interviewers. By displaying both your technical and non-technical skills and abilities with thoughtful responses to the questions, you can demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual who is the perfect fit for the company in question.

These are just some hints and tips for typical questions that crop up in interview scenarios. When you apply for roles through Eolas Recruitment, we will conduct a thorough analysis to ensure that you are the correct fit for both the company and the role. Contact us today to find out more about current opportunities for .Net developers and details of how we can help you secure the best roles to advance your career.